![]() These include the attractive high alter, which depicts the Virgin May that was designed by Andrea Pozzo (1707), an early Baroque style organ designed by Johann Wockeri (1643), that is suggested to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna and the Reliquary of Saint Hieronymus. The interior of the church is Baroque in style and offers some interesting things to see as well. Today, this is the only church in Vienna where you can see a Renaissance style facade. Joseph between 16, adapting the Southern German Renaissance style. Father Bonaventura Daum was responsible for the construction of the new Church of St. Originally a 14th century Gothic style church and convent, the Archduke Ernst gave the existing structure to the Franciscan Order in 1589. One of the many nice church visits you can make in the historic city centre of Vienna is that of the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) which is also known as The Church of St. And he only did so when he was corner and while checking his watch frequently. We were however, disappointed that the organist, even though his English was quite acceptable, made such little effort to give us the explanation he gave his German guests. We were glad we slowed him down enough to at least give us some basic information about the evolution of the organ.Īlthough the organ has limited capacity, we loved its pure sound, whether majestic or delicate. Francis, and was ready for more restorations.Īt that point, the organist left us. In fact there was such caution taken in its restoration that the damaged pipes were buried under the organ itself so future generations would know exactly what was done.Īnother tidbit of information we appreciated was that during the Second World War, the organ was removed to the countryside to avoid the Allied bombing of the central city. So whenever organ music is performed at the church, the old organ is never seen but sometimes heard. The old organ is used only to supplement the much more powerful one if there is an epic concert. The new organ in the sanctuary is quite visible and is the one that is mainly played. We learned that the organ is completely shrouded from the sanctuary none of the parishioners are allowed to see it. Although the organist was preoccupied with a pending appointment, he spent about five minutes with us. We wanted him to discuss not what he lectured about earlier but what insights he had about the history of the organ itself. We caught a few words here and there but hardly enough to enlighten us.Īfter the organist had escorted the group out of the alcove, we cornered him. We enjoyed being in the presence of such a historic site, but it would have been much more meaningful if the presentation was in English. At the very beginning he made a few comments in both German and in English, but did not continue in both languages throughout as he explained that it would simply take too long. Unfortunately, he spoke only in German, much to our dismay. He seemed to be very knowledgeable, and we could tell from his gestures and inflexions that he really wanted his audience to understand the points that he was making. After the organists very expressively played an excerpt from the baroque period, he commented at length on the organ’s capabilities in relation to that piece. For small fee a small group of us were escorted into the upstairs room housing the oldest organ in Vienna. Francis has a lecture and organ concert each Wednesday. It is an easy attraction to make time to visit for those who enjoy seeing historic churches during their travels. ![]() The church is very well located and not terribly far from kärntnerstrasse and other important sightseeing in the city centre of Vienna. There is decorative pulpit and important organ which is believed to be the oldest existing organ in Vienna at the back of the church. Loads of cherubs, gilding, leafy ornamentation and decor. The high altar is attractive as is the main hall columns and walls. The interior of Franziskanerkirche is Baroque and quite beautiful. ![]() ![]() Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the exterior of the Franziskanerkirche as well as the fountain were quite obscured by construction efforts and the presence of large cranes. There is also an interesting Moses statue and fountain in front of the church on the small square. This is the only church in Vienna with a Renaissance style facade. One of the churches I enjoy visiting in Vienna is the Franciscan Church (Franziskanerkirche) at Franziskanerplatz in the Innere Stadt. ![]()
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